Yoga promotes flexibility and muscle strength, and benefits the body in so many other ways, by reducing stress, improving emotional and mental health, and balancing other body functions. Those who begin practicing regular yoga often start because they've heard how good it is for health. While it's true that any practice of yoga is beneficial, it's even better if you can maximize your success by following several guidelines.
If you are taking formal yoga classes, it helps to arrive a few minutes early so you can get yourself in the right frame of mind before the class kicks off. If you find yourself rushing in at the last moment, it will take that much longer to get into the flow of the class. Ensure you take the time to have a drink of water and use the bathroom, and if you've got time, do a few poses or simply sit quietly until the class commences.
Starting a yoga class with a positive intention is a great idea, as it provides an excellent focus for the class. The intention may be something as simple as remaining calm in volatile situations, developing more tolerance and love, enjoying healthy foods, or on making time for spirituality. The intention simply needs to be something which is positive and reflects the spirit of yoga.
If you're suffering from an injury, or have recently gone through an illness, it's important that you let your yoga instructor know, as they are able to advise on poses to avoid and may offer alternatives. Those new to yoga should also tell their instructors, who can look out for them and assist with developing the correct poses to avoid strain or injury. Many people are so anxious to progress in their yoga that they inadvertently injure themselves, so it's important to realize that it will take time. Be patient and work at a level you feel physically comfortable with. The philosophy of yoga is one of healing, so pushing oneself and getting injured really does go against that, and will hinder any success or health benefits.
Once the class is over it's a great idea to take some time to think about what you learned during the class. It's all too easy to rush out of class and get back into the fast track of life without really digesting the lessons learned. After the relaxation and peace gained in a yoga class, it's a pity not to remain in the moment for some time later, and think over what you've learned. Beginners have a lot to remember, and it can take some time to learn it all. For this reason, if you can make the effort to consciously remember just one or two new poses from each class, you'll soon have mastered the basics.
Ideally, go to your class on a fairly empty stomach (don't eat for two to three hours before starting a class), as the process of digestion takes energy and can make you lethargic, and it's also possible to get cramps or nausea if you exercise too soon after eating, especially when doing moves that involve the midsection (including deep forward bends, twists, and inversions).
Taking the right mindset and attitude to a yoga class can help you maximize your yoga practice, as can finding a beneficial intent to focus on during the class (which can also help keep your mind off worrying thoughts which will inhibit your progress). Taking the right attitude into class, and maintaining inner peace afterward can be very beneficial. - 31856
If you are taking formal yoga classes, it helps to arrive a few minutes early so you can get yourself in the right frame of mind before the class kicks off. If you find yourself rushing in at the last moment, it will take that much longer to get into the flow of the class. Ensure you take the time to have a drink of water and use the bathroom, and if you've got time, do a few poses or simply sit quietly until the class commences.
Starting a yoga class with a positive intention is a great idea, as it provides an excellent focus for the class. The intention may be something as simple as remaining calm in volatile situations, developing more tolerance and love, enjoying healthy foods, or on making time for spirituality. The intention simply needs to be something which is positive and reflects the spirit of yoga.
If you're suffering from an injury, or have recently gone through an illness, it's important that you let your yoga instructor know, as they are able to advise on poses to avoid and may offer alternatives. Those new to yoga should also tell their instructors, who can look out for them and assist with developing the correct poses to avoid strain or injury. Many people are so anxious to progress in their yoga that they inadvertently injure themselves, so it's important to realize that it will take time. Be patient and work at a level you feel physically comfortable with. The philosophy of yoga is one of healing, so pushing oneself and getting injured really does go against that, and will hinder any success or health benefits.
Once the class is over it's a great idea to take some time to think about what you learned during the class. It's all too easy to rush out of class and get back into the fast track of life without really digesting the lessons learned. After the relaxation and peace gained in a yoga class, it's a pity not to remain in the moment for some time later, and think over what you've learned. Beginners have a lot to remember, and it can take some time to learn it all. For this reason, if you can make the effort to consciously remember just one or two new poses from each class, you'll soon have mastered the basics.
Ideally, go to your class on a fairly empty stomach (don't eat for two to three hours before starting a class), as the process of digestion takes energy and can make you lethargic, and it's also possible to get cramps or nausea if you exercise too soon after eating, especially when doing moves that involve the midsection (including deep forward bends, twists, and inversions).
Taking the right mindset and attitude to a yoga class can help you maximize your yoga practice, as can finding a beneficial intent to focus on during the class (which can also help keep your mind off worrying thoughts which will inhibit your progress). Taking the right attitude into class, and maintaining inner peace afterward can be very beneficial. - 31856
About the Author:
Ana Paula Hernandez began her yoga career over twenty years ago when she began learning basic yoga poses and started experiencing some of yoga's wonderful benefits. She now teaches yoga full time.
